the dream deferred 5 0

The Dream Deferred 5.0

Erik Bergrud

2011 ASPA National Conference

March 14, 2011

The first version of this presentation was inspired by

ASPA’s 2009 Annual Conference, whose theme was

“Governance in the Midst of Diversity: Bridging Opportunity

and Challenge.”

ASPA’s roots are in the Progressive reform movement

that produced major changes in American public administration in the early part of the 20th century.

Darrell Pugh, Looking Back, Moving Forward (1988)

“Diversity”

“Governance”

“Progressive”

What do these words mean in the context of ASPA’s history and

leadership structure?

Some facts to consider…

Phil Rutledge became ASPA’s first African American President

in 1974

35 years after ASPA was established.

Total number of women of color who have served as ASPA

President

0

Are ASPA’s sections/chapters providing leadership opportunities

for individuals of color?

Total individuals of color serving currently as ASPA section chairs

4 out of 24

Total individuals of color serving currently as ASPA chapter

presidents

Fewer than 10

So how is ASPA addressing the issue of social equity?

Not comfortably

A debate over affirmative action hastened the demise of ASPA’s

policy issues process in the 1990s.

The phrase “Oppose all forms of discrimination and harassment, and promote affirmative action”

remains in ASPA’s Code of Ethics.

ASPA’s Gloria Nordin Hobson Social Equity Award, presented annually since 2003, recognizes lifetime achievement and effort in

the cause of social equity.

ASPA established a Section on Democracy and Social Justice in

2008.

These are positive developments.

But…

Social equity has yet to penetrate ASPA’s mainstream.

Some difficult questions still need to be answered.

What is ASPA’s commitment to diversity in its leadership and

membership?

How does ASPA define a “minority public administrator?”

Some words of hope and caution

Hope

The 2011-2 ASPA National Council will include multiple African Americans, Asian Americans and Latinos.

Caution

The election of an African American President hasn’t

eliminated all of the barriers facing individuals of color in the

U.S.

Even so..

The dream endures.

Do you believe in the dream?